MICK Gentleman has welcomed the second annual progress report on the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22.

“The evidence continues to show a reduction in numbers of young people who are coming into contact with, or further involved in, the youth justice system,” Mick said.

“This includes the numbers of young people apprehended by ACT Policing (down by 4 per cent), under youth justice supervision (down by 11 per cent) and in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre (down by 24 per cent).

“These are positive results that demonstrate that initiatives like the After Hours Bail Support Service, restorative justice and changes in practice in youth services are making a difference.

“While the data shows decreases for the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across some measures, it is a fact that they are still over-represented in the youth justice system.

“This area remains a challenge for the ACT and all jurisdictions, and we must do more to reverse this trend.

“There is also scope for work under the Blueprint to look at the potential risks associated with youth unemployment, which is increasing nationally, and in the ACT.